What? No NFL thread? There is now!

[MooseMom]

You Seahawks fans might enjoy this article I happened to come across in the US edition of Britain's The Guardian.  I found it really interesting!

http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/jan/14/how-soccer-saved-the-seattle-seahawks

[Rerun]

I also read that the Seahawks have to pay Texas A&M $5,000 a year to use "The 12th Man".  That contract ends in 2016.  I think we should just call it "The 12th Fan" or something.

Go Hawks!!    

[Rerun]

On to Arizona!

Go Hawks!!     

[SooMK]

Go Pats!

[KarenInWA]

That was truly the most amazing football game I have ever watched! My sister thought the game was over in the first half, but my friend and I had hope, which was not easy to hold on to as a Seahawk fan during that game. Just totally, completely, incredibly amazing and *STUNNED* at how that turned out!

For any of you Green Bay Packer fans, just keep in mind, if the Seahawks beat the Patriots, that will make the Packers look BETTER. To lose to a team that beats the Patriots isn't as bad as losing to a team that loses to them. Think about it.

GO HAWKS!!! 

KarenInWA

[MooseMom]

No, nothing is going to make the Packers look better.

When they went for 2 field goals when it was 4th and goal, I said to my husband, "This will come back to haunt them."  And it did.  I've never seen such a good team make a mistake at just about every single step of the way.

Neither team played well.  It was a comedy of errors, but someone had to win, I guess.

The cheeseheads melted bigtime.

The Seahawks are going to have to really up their game if they are to beat the juggernaut that's the Patriots. 

[Rerun]

I don't even care if we win the Superbowl.  We made it there two years in a row.  WOW What an awesome team.

 

[KarenInWA]

I'm interested in hearing more about these apparent deflated balls. I'm sorry, but if the Patriots are found guilty of doing such a sleazy thing, that last win of theirs should be null and void and the Colts should go on to the Super Bowl. Cheating like that is just sick!

[Rerun]

Wouldn't the Colt's have had the same ball?  So they should have had the same advantage.  I don't really get it unless when the Colt's had the ball it was a different one.  This will be interesting.

[SooMK]

I just learned this season that teams have their own footballs. The New York Times says about this deflated ball thing: "The game was played in what at times was driving rain, and deflated balls would be easier to grip in the wet weather. According to N.F.L. rules, each team is required to make 12 primary balls — inflated to 12.5 to 13.5 pounds per square inch — available for testing by the referee 2 hours 15 minutes before kickoff. The referee is the “sole judge as to whether all balls offered for play comply with” league specifications. Some balls are designated for kicking only." This charge is still being investigated by the NFL. I think the referees can tell pretty easily if the ball is not inflated properly--hence the delay that swapped a kicking ball for the game ball. The kid in charge of the balls looked about 12 years old. My opinion is that this is much ado about nothing but I love my team and am biased.

[Rerun]

Yes, it is probably nothing.

                      

[Michael Murphy]

Just for the record this would be the third time belicheat has been caught. Videotaping a closed Rams practce before a super bowl, video taping jet coaches during a game to steal play calling, and now if true deflating balls.  After the Jet incident the Patriot owner asked the coach on a scale of 1 to 10 how much of a advantage did he gain and he said 1 the owner replied then you are a smuck.  If the NFL didn't think it was important why hand the ref check all the balls.  Personally I think the NFL needs to send a clear and effective message about following the rules.  If you don't like the rules get them changed don't break them.

[Rerun]

But Marshaun Lynch can't even touch his balls.   Then every guy need fined.

              

[MooseMom]

I so seriously doubt that Roger Goodell is going to do anything to anybody, certainly not during the week before the Super Bowl.  This is a proverbial tempest in a teapot that everyone will forget about once they start heading down to Arizona for the week-long orgy that is Super Bowl week.

[Michael Murphy]

They Cant ignore this as much as the patriot fans want the nfl to ignore this sordid affair.  For one half the patriots clearly flouted a rule that is there for all teams.  The other problem is that the nfl knew about this prior to the game and should be able to reconstruct what happened by watching the video of the game and the stadium cameras.  Since all the balls were deflated the same amount this had to be a time consuming procedure with a pressure gauge.  For those hoping it was a accident the 11 ball were reinflated during half time and had the correct amount of air at the end of the game.  Quite clearly this is a rogue organization which did not learn its lesson in 2007 when belicheat was fined 500000 dollars and they lost a first round draft pick.  This time it should be a million dollar fine and a first round pick this year and a first round pick next year, keep doubling the penalty and maybe they will stop this stupid cheating. 

[Rerun]

I sent 4 Seahawk T-Shirts to 4 of my 49er friends.  They should have received them today.

                          

[KarenInWA]

My friend and I joined many other 12's in the big Seahawks Super Bowl Send-Off! That has become a big thing around here now. They close a street from the freeway exit all the way to the back entrance to the airport. Cops are everywhere, helicopters from the big 3 local news channels, all sorts of craziness! Nothing but a big sea of people in their blue and green, blue 12 flags waving everywhere, 12th Fan signs, painted faces, Skittles being tossed. The energy is awesome!!! I love being a part of something so happy and celebratory, and I love how it's a distraction to real life. It's like an excuse to take a break from it all. I love the guys who make up my team, all their personalities and character. We have an awesome coach who has a different philosophy, which I think is a huge contributor to the success of this team. There is an article in the Seattle Tines regarding the brotherhood that is strong in this team, and I truly believe there is something to that. It certainly showed in the end of that NFC Championship game.

Win or lose, I will be there to welcome them home come after the Super Bowl. I am taking that Monday off, so I won't have to worry about waking up early for work! It has become tradition for me now, with this being the 3rd Seahawks Super Bowl, for me to go to the send-off, and take the day after off from work. I'm lucky that I've been able to do that these 3 times!

GO HAWKS!!!!

 

[Rerun]

Is it Sunday yet?

    

[KarenInWA]

Just over 24 hours til the Super Bowl!!!!       

[MooseMom]

Whoever made that call needs to be so fired.  I could see the disaster unfolding before Wilson ever threw that ball.  Absolutely unbelievable.  Why would you not give it to Lynch?  WHY???

[MooseMom]

A slant at the 2 yard line?    

[Rerun]

Whoever made that call needs to be so fired.  I could see the disaster unfolding before Wilson ever threw that ball.  Absolutely unbelievable.  Why would you not give it to Lynch?  WHY???

That will be the question of the ages.  Carroll is taking the blame and so is Wilson.  I have not heard why the fight broke out.  That will be interesting.   It was a very entertaining game.  I about died at the end.  I'm still so sad today. 

Next year....     

[KarenInWA]

Yes, it was a very disappointing end to a well fought game. But, I couldn't help but notice something about the Patriots...

When time came for the Lombardi ceremony, and speeches were made - not ONE Patriot player (or coach, if I remember correctly) thanked their fans.

If the Seahawks had won, any player with a microphone shoved in front of him (except for maybe Lynch, but he has a rep to protect when it comes to the media, and yes, he even has expressed his appreciation for the 12's) will praise the fans for their dedication and show appreciation. It just how it is up here. I find it strange that the same is not true with other teams. The fans are even mentioned during a loss. It's like one big family up here in our corner of the country. Is it really not like that for other teams? I find that sad, because really, any team that doesn't have that kind of relationship with their fans - those fans are really missing out. Sure, a lot of it is probably a marketing thing. I get that. But, no one can deny the power it has and the feeling it puts in a sports community.

GO HAWKS!!!! Onwards and upwards to next season!

KarenInWA

[SooMK]

The Patriots are hugely grateful to their fans. They have thanked them in many interviews and on social media. As soon as weather permits they will have a parade through the streets of Boston for their fans. I know in years past they have had thank you parades in cities in other of the New England states--not sure about this year since I've moved to enemy territory (NY) and am out of the loop much of the time. I think most teams are tuned in to how important it is to mention the fans (doesn't mean network TV will show it). It was a great game, hard fought by both teams.

[MooseMom]

KarenInWA, what is the general feeling in Seattle about that last play call?